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Does affirmative action still make sense?

Students calling for diversity protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, in this October 10, 2012 file photo. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Magana)

How much should race, sex and ethnicity matter when it comes to your job or university application? US affirmative action policies, designed to level the playing field, have been under fire since their inception in the 1960s. Proponents claim affirmative action improves diversity and provides opportunities to those who would otherwise be blocked. Opponents say the policies are outdated and amount to reverse discrimination. Does affirmative action still make sense? Join us at 1930GMT.

Does affirmative action still make sense?

Affirmative action policies are those in whichan institution or organisation actively engages in efforts to improveopportunities for groups that have been historically excluded or under-represented, such aswomen and minorities.

On June 24, the US Supreme Court decided on an affirmative action case brought forth by a white woman who said she was denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin based on her race.

The court's ruling, which allowed affirmative action policies to remain in place, reignited the debate around whether affirmative action is still needed.

2The Equity Gap, 1965-2013 [Infographic] - COLORLINESAJstream

In the video below, plaintiff Abigail Fisher explains her grievance with the admissions process at the University of Texas at Austin:

The Color Of Our Skinfairrepresentation

A few agreed with her sentiments opposing affirmative action:

Affirmative action is racist and should be outlawed. If your scores don't measure up, then you should not get a free pass.Kim Lake

Supporters of Affirmative Action believe minorities are intellectually inferior, and need laws to level the playing field. Sick.Benjamin Martin

According to this graphic by Colorlines, banning affirmative action would result in a drop in minority enrollment in higher education:

The Equity Gap, 1965-2013 [Infographic] - COLORLINESAJstream

Some voiced their beliefs in the necessity of affirmative action policies:

We need affirmative action and will always need it in the U.S. It's not a free ride its a foot in the door. The rest we can do ourselves #fbHarriet Mitchell

I wish we lived in a world where affirmative action wasn't necessary but we don't. Maybe someday.Mary

Others argue that while affirmative action was a significant policy in America's history, the policy is outdated. John McWhorter argues that affirmative action should be based on economic class rather than not race.

After almost 50 years of race-based preferences, with the underclass becoming an increasingly cross-racial group, it is logical, fair, and progressive that affirmative action now address inequality rather than skin color.nymag.com

The nations changed. voted in a black pres. Affirmative action is unnecessary. discriminates based on race which is and should be illegal.Jondavid R. Longo

The Stream asked its community: Is affirmative action still necessary in the US?

@AJStream It's a necessary but preferably temporary measure, sometimes discrimination can only be overcome by manifesting its negation.Sean Oakley

@AJStream #Affirmativeaction may have served its purpose but how about making #education more affordable & within the reach of all hopefuls!Neslihan Kurosawa